Stratford High expansion planned for Spring

GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCIV) -- After waiting nearly two years, a small group of parents, students and staff were able to see the renovation plans for Stratford High School at a public meeting Monday night.

Officials from the Berkeley County School District and Red Iron Architects presented design plans for the $7 million project.

Plans call for enlarging the cafeteria, adding classrooms and two career technology labs.

Nineteen new classrooms will replace about 40 trailers in the back of the school.

Many parents were impressed with the plans but some still had some concerns.

"I don't want it to drag on. We've gone to schools like that before and it kind of interfered with the learning process," said Heather Riddick, who has a child in the ninth grade.

Other parents said they did not mind the wait, as long as the renovation project would create a better learning environment for students.

"Ultimately, what I'd like to see is anything that can improve teacher to student ratios. That is probably one of the biggest downfalls," said Stephen Bishop.

Principal Heather Taylor said the project is geared toward helping students better prepare for their futures.

"What we are hearing from our community is they really need those vocational type skills and bringing in the culinary arts, the engineering and the sports medicine, things like that will prepare our students for the future," she said.

The year-long construction is expected to start in April.

The BCSD has released information online regarding the expansion. To view the executive summary from Red Iron, click here. For more links to the project, click here.